BOSTON -- Every June when school ends, the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Camp Florian in Canton becomes a place where children affected by muscular dystrophy get to participate in recreational activities that are especially geared for their abilities.

NewsCenter 5's David Brown reported that at the camp, kids gain self-esteem and make friendships that can last a lifetime.

"It's nice, it's during summer and it's warm so you can walk around and stuff. You're around other kids in wheelchairs, so you don't feel left out of everything," said camper Patrick. "There's a bunch of fun stuff to do."

"The camp week is the highlight of a lot of kids' years. Actually, not just the kids -- the whole family. It's an opportunity for the parents to go and have some vacation on their own with total confidence in the staffing and the care of their child which utmost in their minds," said Tricia Devine, of the Massachusetts Hospital School.

Each year, the MDA sends more than 4,000 youngsters with neuromuscular diseases to 90 fun-filled, one-week camp sessions at 80 locations nationwide. Campers between the ages of 6 and 21 enjoy activities specially designed for their abilities. Camp is free for families, but it costs the MDA $650 to send one child to camp.

"For kids, it's time to really come here and be a kid. That the focus is on them. It's the No. 1 priority. It's being involved in being a kid," Devine said.

MDA national youth ambassador and country music artist Billy Gilman stopped by Camp Florian at the Massachusetts Hospital School to join in the fun.

"They live for this one week. This year it's going good, and seeing the kids growing up and still seeing them smiling and having fun -- that's the important thing. That's what makes me feel good," Gilman said.

Each summer Harley Davidson motorcycle riders and local firefighters bring added excitement to camp. Campers look forward to sidecar rides and becoming honorary junior fire chiefs.

"It's a great week at Camp Florian. The kids have an outstanding time, the counselors have a lot of fun, and the parents do as well. They come back and they love to hear the stories, or they'll say, 'I haven't heard from Susie or Joey,' and it's just they've been too busy to call," Devine said.